For years, Jai Lucas played an integral role behind the scenes, helping powerhouse programs thrive with his expertise in player recruiting. Now, he is stepping into the spotlight as the newest head coach of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team.
The former Duke associate head coach has been officially announced as the successor to Jim Larrañaga. His hiring signals a new era for Miami basketball. But how does his contract stack up against other head coaches in the ACC?
Jai Lucas Salary And His Miami Deal
The University of Miami confirmed on Thursday morning that Lucas had been hired as the new head coach of the Hurricanes’ men’s basketball program. Lucas is set to be formally introduced as the team’s head coach on March 10.
Although he remained on Jon Scheyer’s Duke staff through the conclusion of the regular season, he did not participate in coaching duties during the ACC and NCAA tournament games.
NEWS: Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas has signed a deal to become the next head men’s basketball coach at Miami, sources told ESPN. Expected to be announced on Thursday. Lucas will leave Duke and join Miami after the conclusion of the regular season, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/uvdmDaSrzo
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 5, 2025
Lucas’s appointment came after weeks of speculation, with reports suggesting that he had verbally agreed to take the job as early as February 23. However, no official contract had been signed at that point.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, he was still present on Duke’s bench for a decisive 97-60 victory over Miami on February 26. His transition to Miami is significant, as the Hurricanes, currently at the bottom of the ACC standings, look to rebuild under his leadership.
At just 36 years old, Lucas will become the youngest head coach in the ACC. The former Texas and Florida guard, son of former NBA player and coach John Lucas II, has built an impressive coaching resume. He first made a name for himself as an assistant coach at Texas before joining Kentucky and eventually moving to Duke in 2022.
As part of Scheyer’s staff, Lucas was instrumental in defensive schemes, backcourt development, and recruiting top talent. His promotion to associate head coach in 2023 further solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in college basketball.
A Contract That Reflects Miami’s Ambitions
Lucas will step into a program that struggled throughout the 2023-24 season, finishing with a 6-24 overall record and a dismal 2-17 mark in ACC play. The Hurricanes had already been eliminated from postseason contention before his hiring.
He took over following the midseason retirement of longtime head coach Jim Larrañaga, whose departure marked the end of a highly successful tenure that included multiple NCAA tournament appearances and an unexpected Final Four run in 2023.
Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich expressed his enthusiasm for Lucas’s arrival.
“We are excited to welcome Jai and his family to the Hurricane Family. Jai is an innovative coach, a relentless recruiter, and a proven talent developer whose knowledge and passion for the game resonated throughout the interview process,” Radakovich said. “He has coached at some of college basketball’s most storied programs under tremendous head coaches.”
Lucas’s appointment is accompanied by a lucrative five-year contract, a source confirmed to ESPN. His deal places him among the younger head coaches earning competitive salaries in the ACC, underscoring Miami’s commitment to revitalizing its basketball program.
Lucas himself expressed excitement about the opportunity.
“Miami has everything you need to compete at the highest level—elite academics, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence in athletics. Beyond that, the city of Miami has a rich culture and energy that makes this an incredibly special place. The history, diversity, and passion for sports here are second to none. I look forward to building on an incredible foundation and leading this program into an exciting new era.”
While Lucas’s hiring is a bold move, the timing presents challenges. Duke is currently positioned as a top contender for the NCAA championship, and Lucas’s departure leaves a void in Scheyer’s coaching staff during a critical stretch.
Miami, on the other hand, is looking to the future and wants Lucas in place before the transfer portal opens on March 24. With a depleted roster and a struggling program, his immediate priority will be assembling a competitive team capable of making strides in the ACC.
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Duke head coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the complexities of the situation.
“Timing, look, it’s not ideal. But there’s no other option. This is the only thing that could have happened. Jai will coach our last regular-season game. And then he’ll have to move on to focus on his new job. And for us, we’re going to focus on the job that we have here, which is making a special run. Jai wanted to stay. This wasn’t a decision that Jai made. This is me and him working together.”
Lucas’s reputation as a recruiter will be put to the test immediately as Miami looks to rebuild. He played a key role in helping Duke secure the top recruiting classes for both 2024 and 2025, including stars like Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer.
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